Leave of absence

A leave of absence was a period of varying duration in which a member of Starfleet was off duty and not assigned to any posting. The leave of absence had to be granted by a superior officer, who also had authority to recall one into active service.

In 2367, Worf was granted a leave of absence from the Enterprise-D by Jean-Luc Picard to participate in events surrounding Gowron's inauguration. After the Klingon Civil War had started, Worf asked Picard for an extended leave of absence, but was refused; Worf then resigned his commission. (TNG: "Redemption")